News

PSU selected as national climate leadership award finalist

Author: John Kirkland

Posted: January 29, 2013

Portland State University (PSU) has been selected as a finalist for the 2013 Second Nature Climate Leadership Awards. The awards recognize select colleges and universities for their work in sustainability and climate mitigation.

PSU is one of five doctorate granting institutions in the U.S. chosen as a finalist, and is the only institution in its category from the West Coast. Finalists were chosen based on their commitment to climate and sustainability leadership and successful implementation of related programs, education, and partnerships.

Second Nature is a nonprofit organization started by Secretary of State John Kerry and his wife, Teresa Heinz, to transform education for a more sustainable society. It is a supporting organization of the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment, of which PSU is one of 665 signatory institutions.

Award finalists will create a short video demonstrating their innovative sustainability programs, which will be featured in a public voting competition in April.

This is the latest recognition of PSU’s reputation for sustainability. In October 2012, PSU President Wim Wiewel received the Presidential Award from the Center for Green Schools at the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Under Wiewel’s leadership PSU was awarded a $25 million sustainability grant, added the “Electric Avenue” that provides real-world testing of cutting edge electric vehicle charging technology, gained a new green building research lab, developed a comprehensive climate action plan and counts eight LEED certified buildings on campus.